BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER the alleged “communication glitch” that resulted in the premature dissemination of a communiqué, the National NGO Coalition has established a communication protocol to prevent further mishaps.
In a statement dated yesterday (Nov. 30) and signed by the President of the three organisations, the group informed that the protocol was the culmination of discussions arising from issues related to their Code of Conduct for the political process. Notable features include the creation of a rotating Chairperson/Spokesperson and a process dictating media interaction and contact.
In light of increasingly harsh political rhetoric, the coalition published a revised version of the Code in July. Although it has pushed for the Code’s speedy adoption by political parties and independent candidates, opposition party the People’s Action Movement (PAM) has been the only one to do so.
The NGO partners came under fire recently for what it called “communication glitches” that resulted in the release of two communiqués before full approval of its membership.
“All communications to the coalition should be directed to the Chamber’s Secretariat at Fortlands. All press releases would be signed by the respective heads of the coalition and then disseminated by the Chamber’s Secretariat,” the release stated.
“Media comments would only be issued after consultation with other NGO partners. The Office of the Chairperson would be rotated and during that person’s tenure he would be the spokesperson of the NGO Coalition.”
As the current Chairman, Evangelical Association President Bishop Ron Dublin-Collins will hold that position for three months. Chamber President Mark Wilkin and Christian Council Head Rev. Isaiah Phillip are next in line.
Speaking to SKNVibes, Dublin-Collins explained that the protocol would increase public confidence in the credibility and objectivity of the coalition.
“The protocol will facilitate good administration and ensure we have a process we can be proud of. The communication glitch occurred because we didn’t have the proper mechanisms in place,” said the Bishop.
“Now that we do, we can maintain our integrity as we seek to monitor the political process and ensure adherence with the code.”
